ABSTRACT
We have shown that the subconscious possesses what may be termed an inherited memory, but as soon as the individual is born into the world he adds to this an acquired memory. We have strong grounds—indeed the very strongest—for supposing that this memory is perfect. We remember what happened this morning easily enough, but last week’s happenings are more elusive, and last year’s still more so. We might say that those of ten years ago were completely lost; and yet a little illness, accompanied by delirium, could quite possibly restore those “lost” memories, in incoherent fashion perhaps, but quite effectively enough to show that their record was still in mind. Dreams bring back our memories, mixing them in inconsequent order; and intoxication may do the same. In the case of the apparently drowned we have the recorded experiences of many who tell us of the “flashing” of all their past memories in the moment of crisis. Senility also seems to put the very old in touch with their childhood’s memories, and these must therefore obviously be there. The general effect of these various considerations, as of many others, is to emphasize the fact that memory is perfect.
